Minister Nyesom Wike of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has emphasized the need for a decisive stance regarding open grazing within the Abuja city center.
The Minister underscored the importance of thorough consultation with herdsmen before making any such decisions.
Wike expressed a commitment to ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and engaged in the decision-making process to prevent any future objections. While affirming that cattle will still have a place in Abuja, he clarified that this pertains to areas outside the city center.
Mr. Wike shared these thoughts during a press interaction following his inspection of various road projects in Abuja over the weekend. He further clarified that while grazing will be permitted in the suburbs, it will not be allowed within the city center.
On the ban of commercial motorcycles from operating within the city centre, the minister said a firmer decision would be taken after the federal provided buses as alternatives.
“We did not take a firm decision because we have not been able to provide the buses that will be the alternative for the people.
It is within the government’s responsibility to provide the alternative and then ask the motorcycle operators to leave the city centre.
This is so that you don’t ask them to leave, and people will be suffering; no,” he said.
Some of the projects visited are the completion of Roads B6, B12 and Circle Road in Central Area and the rehabilitation of the Federal Secretariat, being handled by Julius Berger.
The minister also inspected the construction of the southern Parkway from Christian Centre (S8/9) to Ring Road 1, being handled by Setraco and the expansion of the outer Southern Expressway being handled by CGC.
The project spanned from Villa Roundabout to OSEX/Ring Road 1 Junction, including four interchanges.
Mr Wike equally inspected the full scope development of Arterial Road N20, from Northern Parkway to ONEX with spurs being handled by Gilmor Engineering.
